Chapter 1: The Search for Alison

The cheerful anticipation of a new day can quickly fade into uncertainty.

In the dense woods of Maine, a young girl named Alison wandered away from her family and their campsite, following the family dog. As dusk fell, her parents, the Moores, soon realized she was missing. After fruitless calls and searches, they reluctantly contacted emergency services, feeling a mix of embarrassment and panic. They were on vacation, far from their home in Massachusetts.

Before long, a team of game wardens, emergency responders, and even Reverend Kate Braestrup arrived on the scene. Unlike a typical minister, Braestrup serves as a chaplain for the Maine Warden Service. Despite the Moores expressing their lack of faith, she offered them empathy and compassion, acknowledging the distress of their situation.

As night deepened, the hours passed, and the Moores' anxiety heightened. Mr. Moore, a statistician, turned to Reverend Braestrup for honesty. “I’m an engineer,” he stated, “I work with data. Just tell me the truth.” He needed to know if his daughter was alive.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Love

In life's journey, wealth and success pale in comparison to the value of love. Whether through ambition or legacy, nothing can substitute the connections we form. Yet, these connections can be abruptly severed without warning.

Recalling an incident from his days as a patrol officer, the narrator reflects on a missing person report involving a local computer engineer. After a long day, the man's wife reported him missing after he failed to return from a bike ride. As the search unfolded, the officer discovered the engineer's lifeless body wrapped around a tree—a tragic reminder of life's unpredictability.

“I love you every day. And now I will miss you every day.” — Mitch Albom, For One More Day

The engineer's wife was blissfully unaware that her day would end in heartbreak, illustrating the frailty of existence. We often live as if we are invincible, focused on our dreams and aspirations, until we face the painful reality of loss.

Section 2.1: Reverend Braestrup's Journey

Reverend Kate Braestrup's own life was irrevocably changed when her husband, Drew, tragically died in an accident. A devoted family man and fitness enthusiast, Drew's untimely death was a shock that reverberated through Kate's life.

Kate vividly described the catastrophic impact of the collision that took Drew from her. In her profound work, Here If You Need Me, she expressed her desire to be present during his cremation, insisting on washing and dressing his body, a final act of love and control amidst the chaos of grief.

“Then light your candles to the living. Say your prayers for the living. Leave the stones where they are, but take your heart with you.” — Kate Braestrup, Here If You Need Me

With the funeral director's consent, she said goodbye to Drew, demonstrating the unyielding bond of love that persists even in death.

Subsection 2.1.1: The Orange Peel Test

In relationships, small gestures often speak louder than grand declarations. An article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted the “orange peel test,” where one partner assesses the other's willingness to perform small acts of service. Although these tests lack scientific validity, they underscore the significance of simple kindness in nurturing love.

A memorable encounter with a young couple in Italy illustrated this beautifully. Initially engrossed in their phones, they soon embraced the joy of each other’s company, laughing and sharing an intimate moment.

Tennis star Andre Agassi once shared that understanding oneself is crucial for a healthy relationship. True love thrives on mutual support and small, thoughtful acts rather than grand gestures.

Chapter 3: The Reunion

In Here If You Need Me, Reverend Braestrup recounts the heartwarming moment when Alison was found in the woods. A search dog named Grace discovered her curled up under a bush, a testament to the instinct of lost children seeking comfort.

When Warden Ron Dunham gently woke Alison, she eagerly responded to his offer of companionship, highlighting the innate human need for connection.

“It doesn’t matter how educated, moneyed, or smart you are: when your child’s footprints end at the river’s edge... you will know enough to look around for love. It will be there, standing right on the hinge, holding out its arms to you.” — Kate Braestrup, Here If You Need Me

As Warden Dunham and Alison emerged hand in hand from the woods, the joy of reunion filled the air, embodying the essence of community and love in times of distress.

Final Thoughts: Cherishing Love

Make time for those you cherish. Engage in small acts of kindness—whether it’s peeling an orange or leaving love notes. These seemingly trivial actions carry profound significance.

When we consistently express our love through thoughtful gestures, we send a powerful message: “I love you,” and “I’m here if you need me.” This is how we cultivate joy and hope in our lives, inviting the gladness of the coming day.

I'm John P. Weiss, a storyteller who shares insights on life, perfect for quiet reflections over coffee. Discover my free Saturday Letters for more inspiration.